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Snider could be Toronto's lefty bat option

Snider could be Toronto's lefty bat option

TORONTO -- Manager John Farrell has made clear throughout the season about his desire for another left-handed bat.

If the recently recalled Adam Lind can rediscover the power stroke he once flashed in a Silver Slugger Award year in 2009, perhaps that could negate the need.

But one player from within the organization that could help provide some power during the second half is 2006 first-round Draft pick Travis Snider.

Snider lost out on the starting job in left field to Eric Thames during Spring Training, and then after beginning the season on a tear with Triple-A Las Vegas, Snider sustained a wrist injury at the end of April that forced him to the disabled list.

Another wrist injury put him to the DL again in May, but Snider is once again back and producing in the Pacific Coast League -- a place he has become all too familiar with over the past years.

Snider has struggled during the brief times he has been given an opportunity in Toronto, and terrorized Minor League pitching when he has been down below. Farrell wouldn't speculate on when or if Snider will be up soon with the Blue Jays, but the skipper said the possibility certainly exists.

"Consistency from Travis is the No. 1 thing," Farrell said. "Players are going to tell you when they are ready to come here, and players are going to force their way to the big league team. That's not to say he won't be here at some point."

Farrell said one of the biggest things right now which will prevent any changes to the position players, is that the team has been carrying an extra pitcher in the bullpen. Things could ultimately change, but Farrell also mentioned how well left fielder Rajai Davis has played.

Until the Blue Jays promote him, Snider is likely to continue being a pest to opposing pitchers in Vegas.

Through 41 games with the 51s, Snider was batting .325 with a .403 on-base percentage and a .966 OPS. The 24-year-old has hit eight homers and 42 RBIs.